What “causes” churches to grow is a different but related question. For the moment, I’m wondering about what else is true concurrently with church growth. Here’s a partial list that comes to mind. What would you add?
- When they are brand new, and the leadership is focused almost exclusively on reaching new people and inviting them to walk together in life transforming faith.
- When they become “the popular thing”
- When they have enough name or brand recognition that people are drawn there
- When the participants are enthusiastic and motivated to invite neighbors and friends
- When the participants have a desire and motivation to see people come to renewing faith in Jesus
- When there is a major crisis in the community or world and people “need” church
- When God’s Holy Spirit does something in a community, a church, or its leaders.
- When they are responding to people’s felt needs. This is initially neutral. Could be need for divorce or grief recovery. Could be need for entertainment and distraction and confirming my biases and prejudices. Either way, it works, at least initially.
- When they engage people in ways that help them find deep meaning, purpose and healing.
- When they are able to engage newcomers into relationship (individually AND in groups) that help them experience hospitality, friendship, service and spiritual growth.
WHEN: Thursday, May 26, 1:30 pm CDT
WHEN: Wednesday, May 18th, 1:30 pm CDT.
John grew up Roman Catholic, and spent eight years studying for the priesthood before choosing another pathway. He met and married Mimi, and a few years later attended Eden Seminary and getting ordained into the United Church of Christ. He served two churches in outstate Missouri for 15 years. From there, he served as Associate Conference Minister on staff in Missouri, and then seven years as Conference Minister for the United Church of Christ in the Southwest. In June of 2015, he was elected to serve as General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. He is the author of two books, “Steeplejacking: How the Christian Right Is Hijacking Mainstream Religion:;” and “Beyond Resistance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World.” He is the recipient of Eden Seminary’s Shalom Award, given by the student body for a lifetime commitment to peace and justice. He has a Doctoral degree in White Privilege studies, witha focus on how white privilege affects the church. Father of three and grandfather of one, married to Mimi now for 31 years, John finds much joy and pride in and with his family. He is an avid biker and baseball fan.
Institute for Vital Ministry 